Surfing Heritage and Culture Center Opens New Location in Laguna Beach
The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC), often referred to as the “Smithsonian of surfing,” has officially opened its new downtown Laguna Beach location. The center features hundreds of surfboards, photographs, films, and artifacts that depict the history of surfing from its Hawaiian roots to its global evolution.
A Rich Collection
The SHACC collection includes five surfboards that belonged to legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, an extensive library, and archives with thousands of items that highlight the sport’s influential figures. The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated over two decades of efforts to increase public access to the collection, which was previously housed for 20 years in an industrial building in San Clemente.
Founder Dick Metz’s Legacy
SHACC was established by Dick Metz, now 97, who began his surfing journey in Hawaii in 1950 and started collecting wooden boards during a time when few valued their historical significance. His dedication has led to a rich collection of memorabilia that tells the stories of surfing’s evolution.
Immersive Experience
Visitors can explore the history of surfing through curated displays that highlight the changes in surfboard design, various surfing cultures, and the relationships between surfing and environmental science. The first rotating exhibit is focused on ancient Hawaiian surfing history, expressing gratitude to Hawaii for its contribution to the sport.
Cultural Impact and Future Plans
The new facility also aims to serve as a hub for historical research and educational initiatives. SHACC holds around 800 surfboards, which will be rotated for exhibitions, along with plans for continuous collection of interviews and historical records.
Metz envisions SHACC as a central point for the surfing world, prompting discussions about the culture and history of surfing and ensuring that underrecognized contributions, especially those from Hawaiian culture, receive their due acknowledgment.
For more information on events, exhibitions, and donations, visit shacc.org.
